When you think of dog-friendly cities, places like Boulder, Colo., or Berkeley, Calif., probably come to mind. But now, you can add Omaha to that list because dog-friendly businesses are popping up in more places here than you might think.

At Luvbird Boutique in Midtown, if the sign on the door doesn't grab your attention, the dogs definitely will. While customers browse dresses, belts and accessories on the racks, terriers, golden doodles and chihuahuas join them on the floor.

"My whole life I've been in love with dogs, and every place I've worked at, I thought, if we were allowed to bring dogs, everybody would be a little bit happier," said store owner Shan Stravropoulos.

She applied her more-dogs-equals-more-happiness theory when she opened her women's haute couture store a year ago, putting dog treats up by the register and watching the smiles and profits roll in.

"I have a lot of customers that will come in the first time and then come back just to bring their dog," Stavropoulos said.

Regular customer Amy Epp said there's no place like Luvbird Boutique anywhere else near the metro.

"It's a really unique place, something that normally only happens in Colorado or the West Coast," Epp said. "So it's great to have that here in Omaha."

The store even allows dogs to go off leash, which begs questions about accidents and whether this is a case of the tail wagging the dog.

Not so, said Stavropoulos. In fact, the free-roaming policy has led to more two-footed traffic.

"People just walk by, and they see a dog inside, and they come in to see the dog," Stavropoulos said.

As unique as the store may seem, it's actually a part of a growing trend of more dog-friendly stores in the area.

Websites are now dedicated to pointing out cities with pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants with outdoor patios, and Omaha is showing up on the lists.

It might surprise you to find that there are several dog-friendly hotels in Omaha, including one that welcomes dogs the moment they walk through the door.

Silver bowls greet canines at Element at Midtown Crossing, where general manager Kyle Fulcher and his staff give pets a 3-star welcome.

"We cater to them as much as we possibly can," Fulcher said.

All shapes and most sizes of dogs, up to 40 pounds, are allowed to stay with their owners. If the owners forget the essentials, the hotel has them covered.

"When a guest checks in, and they didn't bring their dog bed, and they want one for their dog to sleep in, we provide them," Fulcher said. "We also have dog bowls for food and water, and we have dog food here we can give them if they wish."

Fulcher said the idea is to make people and their pets feel at home.

"Making sure a guest, when they're on the road, has a smart, healthy, balanced quality of life," he said.

Shoppers at the boutique agree that bringing pets along for the consumerist ride is a win for both species.